Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
132. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his plans to publish the year-long study sent to him regarding the feasibility of transitioning the waste collection market from its current side-by-side licensing system to a franchise tendering system; and his plans to act on the findings of that report. [51465/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn early 2025, the Department commissioned an independent year-long study to explore the feasibility of transitioning our national waste collection from its current competitive licensing system to a franchise tendering system. A franchise tendering system involves competitive tendering for local waste collection services which means competition for the market. In this model private sector collection firms bid to provide waste collection services in an entire local authority area (or a grouping of local authority areas) for a given period of time and to a guaranteed level of service.
The primary aim of the study is to identify how we can best support the achievement of EU recycling targets. Notwithstanding this overarching study objective, it also examines service efficiency and the cost to consumers. The comprehensive year-long study includes a public consultation, assessment of the current market and environmental and economic modelling.
The study recommendations are being considered by the Department and is informing the development of the next Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy (WAPCE) and will be published in due course.
Work on updating the WAPCE has commenced to ensure that it aligns with and drives the delivery and implementation of the second Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy and to inform and give direction to waste planning and management in Ireland, the delivery of appropriate infrastructure, the achievement of EU circular economy targets and how we can enhance our capacity to transform waste into secondary materials and create a culture of circular behaviour.
